By the age of 18, regardless of sexual activity, all women need to begin seeing a gynecologist annually.
- Annual Check-Up
- Breast Self-Exams
- Boston College Pregnancy Services
- HPV Vaccine
- Osteoporosis
- Yeast Infections
Who should get an annual gynecological check-up?
All women who are over the age of eighteen and those who are sexually active (regardless of age). The best time to have an exam is between ten and twenty days after the first day of your menstrual period.
What will occur during a routine exam?
- An examination of your vaginal area to look for any sign of infection or other problems
- A Pap test (see below for details)
- A thorough check of your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus
- Any questions you may have regarding your health will be answered
What is a Pap test?
A small amount of cells will be taken from the cervix and tested for cancer, abnormalities, and infection.
Why should I have a Pap test?
It is important to have done to catch any problems early and treat them. Many abnormalities will cause no problems if treated, but if left untreated could develop into cancer.
For further information or to set up an exam call Health Services at 552-3225.
"Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and the second leading cause of cancer. More than 178,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, and over 44,000 women will die from the disease. With early detection and prompt, state-of-the-art treatment, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent."
-The Center for Disease Control
What can I do to help reduce my risk for breast cancer?
If you are under the age of 40, it is crucial to see a gynecologist every year. Additionally, every woman should perform breast self exams each month. If anything is detected or questions arise, contact your physician or gynecologist as soon as possible.
Click here for information on how to perform a breast self exam.
National Cancer Institute
A variety of information about breast cancer, early detection, treatment and more.
Boston College Pregnancy Services
The emotional, spiritual, and health issues during a pregnancy can seem overwhelming. At Boston College, we will make every effort to provide you with a supportive environment intended to assure caring, confidential, non-judgmental, professional assistance and to support others affected by the pregnancy as well. There are many resources available to you that will assist you in continuing and completing your degree.
The goal of the University is to provide a comprehensive support team that emphasizes caring and personal respect. If you are pregnant, or if you know someone who is pregnant, this web site describes the support services available at BC. It provides basic information and the names of individuals who are ready to assist you. Please feel free to contact any of the individuals or offices listed to discuss your situation. All consultations will be handled confidentially.
PREGNANCY HELPLINE: 617-552-3227
There is a 24-hour helpline available to Boston College students who become pregnant or who need information about determining a pregnancy.
HEALTH SERVICES
University Health Services provides confidential free pregnancy testing. Call 552-3227 to make an appointment. Health Services can help arrange referrals with off-campus physicians, provide nutritional guidance, and answer questions about what to expect during pregnancy.
Thomas I. Nary, M.D.
Director, University Health Services
617-552-4668
Nancy Baker
Associate Director, University Health Services
617-552-3226
Yolanda Hobin
Nurse Practitioner, University Health Services
617-552-2652
Please visit the Boston College Pregnancy Services web site for detailed information about Housing, Academic Planning, Educational Financing, FAQ, Counseling Services, and Off Campus Resources
Genital HPV and the New HPV Vaccine
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the
Who Gets HPV?
Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person who has genital HPV. You are more likely to get HPV if you have:
- Sex at an early age
- Mulitple sex partners
- Partner who has mulitple sex partners
Since most people will have genital HPV at some point in their lives it is very important to screen for the disease by getting regular Pap Tests.
Ways of Reducing the Risk of Exposure to HPV
- Abstinence is the surest way
- Being in a mutually faithful relationship with someone who has no or few sex partners
- Limit the number of sex partners you have
Exposure to the virus is possible even while wearing condoms because of infected areas that may not be covered. Genital HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing any health problems but the most serious consequence of genital HPV is cervical cancer in women. A Pap Test is the best way to screen for cervical cancer - It can save your life !
New Vaccine to Prevent Cervical Cancer
In June 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases caused by certain types of genital human papillioma virus (HPV). Gardasil® protects against 4 HPV types, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for two groups:
- 11-12 year old girls, can be given as young as 9
- Ideally before they are sexually active
- Most effective in people who have not yet acquired any of the 4 HPV types covered by the vaccine
- 13-26 year old girls/women who have not yet received or completed the series
The vaccine has been widely tested in the 9-26 year old range but research, safety and efficacy has only recently begun on women older than 26 years of age.
What Does the HPV Vaccine Not Cover?
- About 30% of cervical cancers will not be prevented by the vaccine
- It does not prevent about 10% of genital warts and won't prevent other STIs.
- It is also important for sexually active adults to continue with annual exams and to reduce exposure to HPV and other STIs.
Obtaining the Vaccine
The Gardasil vaccine is a series of three shots over a six month period of time and is available at Health Services by calling 617-552-3225 and scheduling an appointment. The cost of the vaccine is $130 per dose and gets charged to your student account.
You will need to check with your health insurance about questions regarding your personal policy coverage in relation to payment for the HPV vaccine.
For additional information visit the CDC HPV Vaccine Questions and Answers Web site
Osteoporosis is a disease found primarily in women which weakens and thins bones over time. Often times individuals are unaware of their bone frailty until they break a bone. Osteoporosis is preventable if one begins to take preventative measures at an early age:
- Calcium: Foods that are high in calcium are integral to preventing osteoporosis. These foods include cheese, yogurt, milk, and dark-green leafy vegetables like kale, collard, and broccoli.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium, so look for foods (especially milk and cereal) fortified with Vitamin D.
- Exercise: Exercise helps to build and strengthen bones.
Click here for more information about osteoporosis.
Did you know?...Approximately "75%" of all women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime?
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast is always present in the female body. An infection occurs due to excess yeast.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
Symptoms may include: itching, burning and irritation in the vagina, painful urination and/or intercourse, and thick white discharge.
What causes a yeast infection?
There are a variety of causes of a yeast infection. Some of the most common are:
- Antibiotics
- Oral contraceptives
- Douching
- Perfumed feminine hygiene sprays
- Wearing tight and/or poorly ventilated clothing
What to do if you think you have a yeast infection?
The best thing to do if you suspect you may have a yeast infection is to see a doctor or nurse practitioner for a diagnosis and course of treatment. It is especially important to seek medical advice if you have recurrent yeast infections.
For further information or to schedule an appointment call Health Services a 552-3225